Thursday, October 17, 2019

A Couple Simple Solutions

I do believe we all like simple solutions and creative ways to make life easier and to be frugal as well.  Easy-peasy is for me!!!!!
I am one of those people that like Velveeta.  Yes, I know it really isn't cheese - but I like the taste and LOVE the creamy consistency.
It is very expensive for the brand name (in my opinion).  I have purchased Aldi brand, which costs about half as much (and it is good).  It seems that I don't use often enough to justify buying a big box of it (and the smaller ones are expensive too).  I do have a 'keeper' for the frig that is Tupperware, but after time the cheese still gets dry and much of it gets wasted.
I found just the thing for me to satisfy my FIX!

I get these at the Dollar Tree for $1 a packet.  It comes in original flavor and jalapeno.  It is already creamy and soft - not the hard chunk of the boxed cheese.  Ready to use.  This is just the right amount to add to a batch of rice, potatoes,  macaroni, meat, etc.  It sure works for me.  It still has the same taste.  You might want to give it a try.  Great for that occasional 'need' for Velveeta!
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I know I have listed my Rice-A Roni recipe a couple of time.  I will list again today - since we are all thinking about 'jar' recipes for gift baskets.  I will be adding this to the brother/sister baskets.

2 C uncooked rice
1 C broken thin spaghetti pieces
6 Tbsp. instant chicken or beef bouillon powder
2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. dry thyme
Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.  
TO USE:  Shake up to distribute all ingredients.  Mix 1 cup mix and 2 Tbsp. butter and 2 cups of water.  Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat.  Cook until rice is tender.

Now with this recipe you have 3 cups of mix (equivalent to 3 boxes of mix).  

I have always just broken up spaghetti for this (by placing in a baggie and hitting with a hard object) - but I found a quick and simple solution which if frugal and makes this recipe even more like original Rice-A-Roni.
I purchased this very thin vermicelli that is already in tiny pieces just like those in Rice-A-Roni. It was at Kroger and was .45 a bag.  This bag will do 2 batches when measured out.  It doesn't pack into a cup - so a loose cup of pasta is what you get.  Give or take a little in each batch. 
It doesn't have to be precisely a cup - you can divide the proportions of rice/pasta out any way you choose.
This is a handy mix to keep on hand.  Makes a great side dish for any meal.


So there you have a couple easy solutions to your cooking/pantry needs.
I hope this gives you some ideas that maybe you might use.  
Simple solutions are always nice to have on hand.  
Keep these simple solutions in the pantry!!!!!

19 comments:

  1. Oohh thanks! I'll have to see if our Dollar tree has the velveta in pouches. And I'll check Kroger for the vermicelli to make your rice a roni. Thanks!

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  2. I have a funny story about Velveeta and my mom. When she first came to America she would follow other women in the stores and try to shop like an American house wife. They always bought a large package of Velveeta. She did also and it wold rot in the back corner of the fridge. I always remember this in my child hood the rotting Velveeta square in the back of the fridge. But mom insisted in getting the American cheese even though no one ate it.

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    1. What a cute story!!! Don't you love that we can have these wonderful memories forever!!!! They always make us smile.

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  3. I've never heard of Velveeta but love your Dollar tree. Most of our £l shops have closed down because they can't provide enough items at that price. Like your recipe in a jar - very useful.

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    1. I forget there are some people that have no idea what I am talking about sometimes! Velveeta is a 'cheese' food that comes in a log and it is a soft type cheese. Lots of people here use it for grilled cheese sandwiches because it melts so creamy.
      I see many things I don't understand as well on blogs.
      It's funny how different things are.

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    2. Jean, apparently Velveeta is somewhat similar to Dairylea. If it was somewhat harder and came in a big block. Americans in UK pining after Velveeta are usually advised to try Dairylea slices as a substitute.

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    3. Thanks for the help!!!!!! I have never heard of Dairylea, so we are all learning something new today!

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  4. Thanks for sharing. Once I get my pantry under control (way too much food in there) I am planning on making some of my own mixes.

    God bless.

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    1. You are welcome.
      Homemade mixes are so easy to put together and you know exactly what is in them. I just like having them on hand.

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  5. Thanks! Sometimes I crave a small box of mac & cheese & would add Cheese Whiz or Velveeta to it. These small bags are perfect because I won't eat a whole block of Velveeta.

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    1. Exactly - I love mac & cheese, and I make my own, because I can make a small amount. These work perfectly! They are so creamy and taste good.

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  6. I, too, love Velveeta. Being in Wisconsin it is amazing they don't chase me out. I will look for those bags. I can't do the jalapeno one but I can sure do the regular one.
    Don't laugh but I don't think I have ever had rice-a-roni. lol xo Diana

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    1. Funny about being in Wisconsin!!!! Definitely the cheese state - so be careful who you tell you like Velveeta!!!!!
      There are probably others that haven't had Rice-A-Roni too. It is a tasty side dish. Combo of rice and pasta.
      Have a good one.

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  7. Those velveeta mixes sure do look yummy! Do you ever add it to tuna and broil for sandwiches? Yummy Nancy

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  8. Those little packets are so convenient. I like the Velveeta too because it is so creamy.

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  9. I've read about people using coupons at Dollar Tree to get food items very cheap and sometimes free so maybe search online for Velveeta coupons!

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